Mar 21 2025 6 mins
1️⃣ How Long is Too Long?
Taiwanese students spend long hours in school, often followed by extra tutoring at cram schools (補習班). But how does this compare to students in other countries? And what impact does it have on sleep, health, and academic performance? In this episode, we’ll explore how much time students in Taiwan spend in school, how it ranks globally, and what this means for their well-being.
2️⃣ How Long Do Taiwanese Students Spend in School?
Taiwanese students spend an average of 8.5 hours per school day, ranking among the highest globally.
A typical school day starts around 7:30 AM and ends around 5:00 PM for high school students.
Many students attend cram schools after regular classes, extending their study time even further.
🔍 How Does Taiwan Compare? (Source: World Population Review)
Thailand – 9.5 hours (longest school day worldwide)
Cambodia – 8.75 hours
Bangladesh & Myanmar – 8.5 hours
Taiwan – 8.5 hours
South Korea – 8 hours, plus additional private academy time (학원)
China – 7 hours
United States – 6.5 hours
Finland – 5 hours
3️⃣ The Side Effects of Long School Hours
1. Sleep Deprivation 💤
Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep per night, but many Taiwanese students get far less.
Early school start times and long study hours result in chronic sleep loss.
2. Health Risks 🚑
Sleep deprivation is linked to obesity, diabetes, weakened immune systems, and mental health issues.
Students may experience higher stress and anxiety due to constant academic pressure.
3. Academic Performance 📉
Research shows that less sleep leads to poor concentration and memory, negatively impacting learning.
Countries like Finland, which have shorter school days and prioritize rest, often outperform high-intensity education systems in global rankings.
4️⃣ What Can Be Done?
🏫 Later School Start Times – Research suggests that starting school later improves student focus and health.
📚 Less Homework, More Active Learning – Some countries, like Finland, focus on shorter school hours with more effective teaching strategies.
🌿 Better Student Well-being Programs – Schools can introduce stress management, mindfulness, and mental health support for students.
⏳ Quality Over Quantity – Encouraging efficient study habits rather than excessive hours in the classroom or at cram schools.
5️⃣ Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Rethink Taiwan’s Education System?
While Taiwan’s dedication to education is impressive, are students sacrificing their health and happiness for grades? It’s time to find a balance between academic success and student well-being.
🗣 What do you think? Should Taiwan reduce school hours or change its approach to education? Let us know!
🔗 Source: Average School Day Length by Country 2025 https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/average-school-day-length-by-country